White House keeps up pressure on Bahrain, urges “restraint”

Condemning the use of force against protesters, U.S. President Barack Obama has already spoken with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, calling for restraint.

The White House put pressure on Bahrain for the second day in a row on Saturday as U.S. President Barack Obama’s top security advisor spoke with the crown prince to express support for restraint and overtures to dialogue shown by the monarchy.

Tom Donilon, National Security Advisor, spoke with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, according to a statement issued by the White House.

The call followed less than a day after Obama himself talked to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to condemn violence against demonstrators and urge “meaningful reform.” Donilon repeated Obama’s “condemnation of violence used against peaceful protestors” and expressed support for steps ordered by the crown prince “to show restraint and initiate dialogue with all segments of Bahraini society.”